NYC Radio: WABC Joins Effort To Keep AM Radio In EVs

John Catsimatidis, Owner of Red Apple Media, which includes WABC Radio, New York, WLIR-FM, Long Island, and the Red Apple Audio Networks, has been leading the charge to keep AM Radio in cars. Catsimatidis has been reaching out to political contacts and attending meetings in Washington to save AM Radio, the undisputed most reliable form of communication during emergencies.

At the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Conference in Las Vegas this week, Catsimatidis met with members of the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). At Catsimatidis’ request, former Vice President Mike Pence voiced a “Save Am Radio” spot for 77 WABC, which Catsimatidis is offering to every radio station in America via these links: Vice President Pence-voiced spot is downloadable here. The WABC spot here.

“The automotive industry is doing a huge disservice to Americans by even considering the removal of AM radio from cars,” Catsimatidis stated. “They are putting the safety of Americans at peril by putting profits before people. Americans deserve better.”

Electric vehicle (EV) motors generate electromagnetic interference that affects the frequency of AM radio -- an engineering problem that is correctable. The issue escalated last month when Ford announced it would not install AM Radio in gas-powered and electric 2024 models.

Rural and small markets rely heavily on radio during emergencies, including critical life-saving information. But even major cities are vulnerable. During black outs, for example, the only way for people to get information is from radio, especially the AM Radio frequency.

“I am urging all AM and FM radio stations, the NAB, the RAB, and state broadcast associations to band together and bring common sense to Ford and other auto manufactures," said Catsimatidis.